Here is a list of improvements, along with jobs to avoid because they may require too much investment in either time or money.
- Bathroom
Do:
- Remove any stains from the toilets, tubs and sinks.
- If fixtures are outdated or leak, replace them.
- Replace the shower curtain.
- Inspect, repair and/or replace any worn out or cracked grout in tiles.
- Caulk all joints to insure a watertight seal.
- Don't:
- Replace the flooring unless it is damaged.
- Re-tile unless it can not be patched or repaired.
Kitchen
Do:
- Make sure the faucet works properly, shuts off quickly and looks good.
Repair or replace as needed.
- Keep the sink spotless. If you can't remove stains, consider replacing
the sink with a more modern look. Quality porcelain sinks, made with
cast iron, are a good choice since they're available in many colors, are
quiet and stand up well over time. If you replace the sink, you may as
well update the faucet at the same time. You would be surprised how
much this will improve the look of a kitchen.
- Clean the appliances and make sure they're in good working order.
- Clean the cabinets. If they're dark, consider repainting them to give the
entire kitchen a fresh, new look. This is also an excellent time to upgrade
the cabinet hardware.
- Store kitchen countertop appliances in the cabinets or consider adding
an appliance garage or two to store appliances and create an uncluttered
countertop area.
- Don't:
- Remodel.
- Install new flooring unless the old floor is damaged or unattractive.
Living Areas, Bedrooms
Do:
- Patch cracks in the walls and touch up with paint. Consider a fresh coat
of paint on all walls and trim work. White always works, but if you want
to add color, stick with light pastels. Darker colors make rooms look
smaller than they are.
- Inspect wallpaper carefully to make sure there are no loose areas. Reaffix
as needed with wallpaper adhesive.
- Have the curtains/drapes cleaned.
- Have the carpet cleaned.
- Polish wood floors and, if you use them, buy new scatter rugs.
- Don't:
- Install new carpeting unless the old carpet is damaged and can not be
repaired.
- Paint the walls a dark color.
- Replace lighting fixtures unless they are broken. The odds are the new
homeowner will replace them with a different style.
Exterior
The exterior of your home provides the first and, most often, the strongest
impression. It is very important that this be a positive one.
Do:
- Have your siding, stucco or brick professionally power-washed and then
touch up walls and trim with paint.
- Give your front door a fresh coat of paint.
- If appropriate, consider adding a highly polished brass door knocker.
- Make sure the house number is prominent, and in good shape.
- Oil the door hinges and make sure the doorbell works.
- Inspect the roof and clear away any debris. Replace any broken or
missing shingles.
- Clean the windows and make sure they open freely, without binding.
- Repair any damaged storm windows or screens.
- Apply a fresh top coat of sealant to asphalt driveways.
- Clean your deck with deck cleaner and apply a fresh coat of stain
or sealer.
- Don't:
- Have the entire exterior painted unless necessary. Consult with your Agent.
They will be able to tell at a glance if you need to paint it.
- Reshingle the roof unless it leaks or it's falling apart.
Curb Appeal
Here's a list of simple things you can do to help $ell Your Home Faster:
- Keep the grass trimmed and edged, leaves raked, toys picked up, shrubs
and trees pruned.
- Buy new doormats.
- Sweep and vacuum all floors.
- Set flowers and/or a dish of fresh fruit on the kitchen countertops.
- Replace dingy curtains in any of the rooms that need them.
- Store kitchen countertop appliances in the cabinets or an appliance
garage to maximize counter space.
- Place colorful towels and soaps in the bathrooms.
- Clean fireplaces and place logs on the grate.
- Minimize the number of knickknacks in the house. They tend to create
a cluttered look that makes rooms appear smaller.
- Make sure beds are made, laundry is put away and the floors are free
of clutter.
- Turn on all the lights in the house, open all the curtains.
- Soft music playing in the background is a nice touch.
- Make sure closets are as empty as possible and neatly organized.
- Add some colorful flowers to the entryway.
Most improvements will help $ell Your Home Faster even though they won't increase the value
of your home. That's why it's smart to choose improvements with minimal investment. Stick with cosmetics and
let the new homeowner remodel.
And remember, clean and tidy equals a quicker sale. Neatness really does count.
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